The Catholic Church holds a dominant position in Spain. Accordingly, Holy Week in Spain carries great significance in people’s lives and is deeply rooted in tradition. In Andalusia in particular, the Semana Santa is commemorated with great devotion. Here’s everything you need to know about how Easter is celebrated.
This is when Semana Santa (Holy Week) Takes Place
Semana Santa begins on Palm Sunday and ends exactly seven days later on Easter Sunday. While not all days of the week are public holidays with shop closures, the festivities often lead to altered opening hours throughout the week.
Easter Processions in Andalusia
Easter is celebrated somewhat differently in each region of Spain. In the villages and towns of Andalusia, there are traditions as unique as the people who take part in them. Throughout Holy Week, processions are held by each parish and their respective brotherhoods (Hermandades).
The Origins of the Processions
The earliest Hermandades date back to the 14th century and still retain the tradition of naming themselves after their respective trades – for example, Panaderos (bakers). Public self-flagellation was common at the time, which led to the formation of the first processions. Today, the processions generally consist of the following elements:
Cruz de Guía (Guiding Cross)
Nazarenos del Cristo (penitents leading the procession)
Paso del Cristo (a depiction of a scene from Christ’s Passion, carried on the shoulders of Costaleros)
Nazarenos de la Virgen (penitents walking behind the Paso)
Paso de la Virgen or Paso de Palio (a second float featuring the Virgin Mary)
Most Hermandades have two marching bands that follow behind the floats – more on that in a moment.
Processions with Music, Statues and Unusual Robes
Late into the night, worshippers march through the streets to the beat of drums. Selected carriers have the honour of bearing a statue of Mary and/or Jesus. The death of Christ is being taken very seriously – many participants walk barefoot to feel His suffering in their own bodies.
The drum processions feature music that is both mournful and stirring. Saetas, emotional laments, can be heard in most cities while the crowds watch in respectful silence.
Some brotherhoods wear robes that may appear strange to outsiders. Tall pointed hoods cover not just the head but also the face, leaving only the eyes visible. These are the Nazarenos, also known as Penitentes, who are members of the Cofradías (brotherhoods) responsible for the statues.
The hoods, which resemble those worn by the Ku Klux Klan, symbolise a striving for closeness to heaven. Historically, only men could serve as Nazarenos, but today women also take part. For instance, in Ronda the Paso is being carried by women on Easter Sunday and in Estepona it is led by women on Good Friday.
Towns and Villages with Their Own Traditions
Since each town and village celebrates Easter slightly differently – and different churches are involved – a schedule of events is published well before the first procession. This allows locals and visitors to find out what’s happening on each day. However, one thing is true across all regions of Andalusia and Spain: Easter is celebrated with great intensity.
Wax drippings on the streets and the scent of incense are clear signs that the festivities are in full swing. The emotional spectrum ranges from deep sorrow to hope and then joy on Resurrection Day. Anyone who wishes to understand the Easter story not just intellectually but emotionally too will find themselves in the right place in Andalusia. Thousands of people travel here each year to experience it.
Preparations for Semana Santa begin months in advance, and every area has its own highlight. Whether it’s concerts in the cathedral, sacred statues of great artistic value, or a particularly moving rendition of the Saeta, your destination should be chosen carefully.
Easter Traditions Within the Family
On Palm Sunday, children take palm branches to be blessed in church. These are sometimes decorated with sweets and are meant to recall Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. On Easter Sunday, families traditionally share a meal of lamb or fish.
Children once received Monas de Pascua (Easter cakes with a boiled egg in the centre), but these have increasingly been replaced by chocolate eggs. In some places, passion plays are performed – such as in Cajiz and Riogordo.
Top Easter Destinations in Andalusia
If you’re planning to spend Easter in Spain – especially in Andalusia – it’s best to book accommodation well in advance. But where are the best places to experience the Semana Santa processions?
Easter in Seville
Spain’s most important Holy Week celebrations take place in the Andalusian capital of Seville. In fact, the Easter processions originated here. The Saeta singing – a passionate form rooted in flamenco – is also particularly moving here and is a key element of Seville’s Holy Week.
Semana Santa in Jerez de la Frontera
Around 500 brotherhoods take part in Semana Santa in Jerez de la Frontera – the second-highest number after Seville. The Good Friday procession is a major event. In Jerez, art and culture go hand in hand – many of the statues were created by renowned artists.
Holy Week in Granada
In Granada, the Hermandad de las Chías is considered the city’s most authentic procession, dating back to the 16th century. Four hooded figures represent the Inquisition and lead the way, as they once did with the condemned. In 2017, Granada was awarded the title of “Most Spectacular Semana Santa in Spain”.
Easter Celebrations in Málaga
Málaga also offers an intense Semana Santa experience. Blood and light symbolise the duality on display in each procession, highlighting devotion and tradition. It’s a popular Easter destination, complete with music and cultural richness.
FAQ
How is Easter celebrated in Spain?
Easter Week is the most important Christian celebration in Spain, particularly in Andalusia. Processions through the streets allow participants and spectators alike to experience the Passion of Christ in a deeply emotional way.
When are the Easter processions in Spain?
The processions in Spain and Andalusia take place during Holy Week. They begin on Palm Sunday and end on Easter Sunday. Semana Santa is the Spanish term for Holy Week.
What do people do during Semana Santa?
In Andalusia, locals typically attend at least one procession during Semana Santa – often several. Taking part in a procession, and perhaps even being one of the carriers, is considered a great honour. Attending church services is also an important part of the tradition.